Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX874CPA
- Part No.:
- MAX874CPA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX874CPA.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SERIES 0.38% 8DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,175
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Product details
Overview
MAX874CPA from Maxim Integrated is a precision 4.096V low-dropout voltage reference IC designed for high-accuracy analog signal conditioning and ADC/DAC biasing in battery-powered and industrial systems. It delivers ±0.2% initial accuracy (±8mV), 40ppm/°C max temperature drift, 10µA max quiescent current, and operates from 4.3V to 20V supply with only 200mV dropout - enabling reliable use with standard 5V rails. It is commonly deployed in portable data acquisition modules where stable reference voltage under varying load and temperature is critical.
For engineers reviewing the MAX874CPA datasheet, MAX874CPA pinout, MAX874CPA application, or MAX874CPA equivalent, key selection considerations include its 4.096V output tolerance, ultra-low IQ, trimmable output via TRIM pin, TEMP output for ambient sensing, and compatibility with capacitive load compensation through the COMP terminal.
Technical Context
The MAX874CPA implements a bandgap-based reference core with internal trimming and a dedicated TEMP output proportional to junction temperature (≈ambient within ±0.5°C). Its architecture supports bidirectional load current (±500µA) while maintaining regulation across input voltages from 4.3V to 20V and temperatures from 0°C to +70°C.
It features active compensation via the COMP pin for capacitive loads >1000pF, requires no external components for basic operation, and includes built-in line/load regulation specs (75µV/V and 1.0mV/mA max) validated over full operating range - distinguishing it from generic shunt references or untrimmed series references.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 4.096V ±0.2% (±8mV) at +25°C - enables direct interface with 12-bit ADCs requiring 4.096V full-scale reference |
| Quiescent Current | ≤10µA - allows multi-year operation from coin-cell batteries in standby-sensing applications |
| Dropout Voltage | 200mV at ±500µA load - ensures regulation from 4.3V input, compatible with standard 5V supplies |
| Tempco | ≤40ppm/°C over 0°C to +70°C - limits reference error to <±2.9mV across industrial temperature range |
| Line Regulation | 75µV/V max - maintains stability despite input rail variation (e.g., battery discharge from 5.0V to 4.3V) |
| Load Regulation | 1.0mV/mA max - holds output within ±0.5mV under 500µA sourcing/sinking load transients |
| Operating Temp | 0°C to +70°C - qualified for commercial-grade embedded instrumentation and power supply monitoring |
Pinout & Package
MAX874CPA is housed in an 8-pin plastic DIP package (0.300" wide), with through-hole mounting and industry-standard footprint. Pin 1 is marked by notch or dot; pin numbering follows standard counter-clockwise orientation when viewed from top.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VIN (Pin 2) | Input supply connection | Accepts 4.3V–20V DC; must exceed VOUT by ≥200mV for regulation |
| GND (Pin 4) | Reference ground | Substrate and thermal reference node; must be low-impedance connection to system ground |
| TEMP (Pin 3) | Temperature-proportional analog output | Provides ~10mV/°C output (≈2.5V at 25°C); requires high-Z buffer before ADC input |
| TRIM (Pin 5) | Output voltage adjustment terminal | Allows ±150mV trimming range; adjusting shifts tempco by ~7ppm/°C per 100mV deviation |
| COMP (Pin 8) | Capacitive load compensation input | Connect CLOAD/100 capacitor from VOUT to COMP when total CLOAD >1000pF |
| VOUT (Pin 6) | Precision reference output | Delivers regulated 4.096V ±0.2%; capable of sourcing/sinking ±500µA |
| I.C. (Pins 1 & 7) | Internal connection (no external connection) | Internally tied to substrate or unused circuitry; must remain unconnected |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Trimmed 4.096V output | Factory-trimmed to ±0.2% at +25°C - eliminates need for external calibration in 12-bit systems |
| Ultra-low 10µA supply current | Enables micropower operation in always-on sensor nodes without compromising reference stability |
| Integrated TEMP output | Provides calibrated ambient temperature signal (±0.5°C accuracy) for thermal compensation or fault detection |
| ±500µA load drive capability | Sustains regulation while driving ADC reference inputs, op-amp bias networks, or small DACs directly |
| Low 200mV dropout | Permits operation from marginal 5V rails (e.g., aging batteries or LDO outputs) without headroom loss |
Applications
| Hand-Held Multimeters | Battery-Powered Data Loggers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Portable handheld multimeter measuring DC voltage with 0.1% accuracy over 0–50°C ambient range. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary voltage reference for 16-bit SAR ADC and front-end scaling amplifiers. Use Value: 4.096V output matches ADC full-scale exactly; 40ppm/°C drift contributes <±2.05mV error across operating range, meeting Class II meter requirements. |
Use Scenario: Remote environmental sensor node logging temperature/humidity every 10 seconds using coin-cell battery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reference for precision ADC and bias source for low-power op-amps in signal conditioning chain. Use Value: 10µA quiescent current extends battery life beyond 5 years; TEMP output enables on-board thermal calibration without extra sensor. |
| Industrial Power Supply Monitors | Calibration Equipment |
Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted 24VDC power supply with real-time output voltage monitoring and fault reporting. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stable reference for isolated voltage sense amplifier feeding microcontroller ADC. Use Value: 75µV/V line regulation ensures consistent measurement accuracy despite input ripple or brownout conditions down to 4.3V. |
Use Scenario: Benchtop calibration source generating precise 4.096V for testing 12-bit DACs and reference standards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary traceable reference with TRIM pin used for fine-tuning to ±0.05%. Use Value: TRIM pin enables post-calibration adjustment; ±150mV trim range supports final system-level calibration without hardware change. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar precision voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| REF43GUE (Texas Instruments) | 4.096V, ±0.1% initial accuracy, 3ppm/°C drift, 1.2mA IQ, SO-8 package | Higher accuracy and lower drift but 120× higher supply current; requires heatsinking at full load | Preferred for lab-grade calibration where drift dominates error budget; not suitable for battery operation |
| ADR434BRZ (Analog Devices) | 4.096V, ±0.12% initial accuracy, 10ppm/°C drift, 600µA IQ, SO-8 package | Lower drift than MAX874CPA but 60× higher IQ; no TEMP output or TRIM pin | Best for fixed-accuracy, low-noise applications where micropower is secondary; lacks MAX874CPA's thermal monitoring capability |
Compared with REF43GUE and ADR434BRZ, the MAX874CPA trades absolute accuracy and drift for ultra-low power and integrated diagnostics (TEMP, TRIM, COMP), making it uniquely suited for long-life, self-calibrating embedded systems rather than benchtop metrology.
Availability
MAX874CPA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for hand-held instruments, battery-operated equipment, and industrial power supply monitors requiring stable component supply despite end-of-life status.
Supply support for MAX874CPA includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) is a fabless semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, communications, and consumer applications.
The MAX872/MAX874 family was engineered for micropower, precision voltage referencing in space- and energy-constrained systems - emphasizing ultra-low IQ, low dropout, and integrated diagnostics like TEMP output and trim capability.
FAQ
What is the maximum load current the MAX874CPA can source or sink while maintaining regulation?
The MAX874CPA can source and sink up to ±500µA while maintaining regulation within specifications. At ±500µA, dropout remains ≤200mV, and load regulation is guaranteed at ≤1.0mV/mA. For loads exceeding ±300µA, a minimum 1000pF capacitor must be placed between VOUT and GND; if total capacitive load exceeds 1000pF, a compensation capacitor (CLOAD/100) must be connected from COMP to VOUT to ensure stability. This behavior is confirmed in the MAX874CPA datasheet's Electrical Characteristics and Applications Information sections.
Does the MAX874CPA have a temperature output, and how is it used?
Yes, the MAX874CPA provides a TEMP pin (Pin 3) that outputs a voltage proportional to junction temperature (~10mV/°C, ≈2.5V at 25°C). Because device power dissipation is <100µW, junction temperature closely tracks ambient (within ±0.5°C), making TEMP suitable for ambient sensing. It must be buffered or connected to a high-impedance input (e.g., ADC channel with ≥1MΩ input impedance). The MAX874CPA datasheet confirms its use in thermal out-of-range detection and ADC gain compensation - not as a standalone temperature sensor but as a system-level diagnostic feature.
Can the output voltage of the MAX874CPA be adjusted, and what is the trim range?
Yes, the MAX874CPA includes a TRIM pin (Pin 5) allowing output voltage adjustment. The trim range is ±150mV around the nominal 4.096V output - i.e., from 3.946V to 4.246V - using an external potentiometer as shown in Figure 1b of the MAX874CPA datasheet. Note that trimming shifts the temperature coefficient by approximately +7ppm/°C per 100mV deviation from factory setting, so precision applications should minimize trim unless compensated in software or calibration.
What is the operating temperature range for the MAX874CPA variant?
The MAX874CPA is rated for operation from 0°C to +70°C - the 'C' grade designation in its part number. This is explicitly stated in the Ordering Information table and verified in the Electrical Characteristics-MAX874C section of the MAX874CPA datasheet. It is distinct from the MAX874EPA (–40°C to +85°C) and is intended for commercial-grade applications where extended temperature performance is not required.
Why is the MAX874CPA marked "Not Recommended for New Designs"?
The MAX874CPA is marked "Not Recommended for New Designs" because it was manufactured using a wafer process no longer available at Maxim's external foundry, resulting in discontinuation of production. The datasheet remains published for legacy support, and replacements or second-source alternatives may exist. Aetrix Electronics maintains inventory for ongoing production and repair needs, but new designs should evaluate modern equivalents such as the REF43GUE or ADR434BRZ - as documented in the MAX874CPA QuickView sheet and Maxim technical support guidance.
MAX874CPA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package/Case:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Reference Type:
- Series
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 4.096V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 400 µA
- Tolerance:
- ±0.38%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- 40ppm/°C
- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- 90µVp-p
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- -
- Voltage - Input:
- 4.3V ~ 20V
- Current - Supply:
- 15µA
- Current - Cathode:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
MAX874CPA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX874CPA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX874CPA on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAX874CPA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX874CPA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX874CPA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX874CPA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX874CPA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX874CPA?
MAX874CPA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX874CPA order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX874CPA?
For technical support, including MAX874CPA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX874CPA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX874CPA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX874CPA products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX874CPA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX874CPA?
All MAX874CPA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX874CPA, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAX874CPA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX874CPA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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